Sainte Chapelle

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a smart visit to Sainte-Chapelle, the trick is to avoid lingering on the ground floor (the lower chapel), which often serves as a waiting area. Head straight for the small spiral staircase on the left: the visual impact upon emerging into the upper chapel is one of the most powerful in Paris. The secret to avoiding a stiff neck is to use the laminated information sheets or the mobile app to read the stained-glass windows like a giant comic strip, starting from the bottom left of each window. The real secret lies in choosing the right time according to the light: avoid overcast days. The spectacle is at its peak on a sunny afternoon, when the sun's rays pass through the 1,113 scenes depicted, transforming the air into a bath of purple and blue light. Finally, look for the large western rose window (the circular stained glass window): it tells the story of the Apocalypse and offers green and yellow hues that contrast with the rest of the building.